April 1, 2026 — A newly filed civil lawsuit in New York state court asserts claims against Leslie Wexner, Nine East 71st Street Corporation, and The Wexner Foundation arising from their alleged relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that the defendants enabled Epstein’s conduct through financial support, property transfers, and institutional affiliations. The suit was filed under New York City’s Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act, as recently amended to allow certain previously time-barred claims to proceed. The plaintiffs allege that Epstein used resources provided through his relationship with Wexner—including access to significant funds and a Manhattan property—to carry out acts of sexual abuse and trafficking.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as injunctive and declaratory relief.
Public reporting reflects that a spokesperson for Wexner has denied the allegations. In statements reported by Bloomberg, the spokesperson asserted that Epstein was compensated for financial advisory services and purchased the New York property, and characterized the claims as lacking factual basis.
Bloomberg April 1, 2026: Epstein Accusers Sue Wexner Claiming His Funding Enabled Crimes
Sauder Schelkopf LLC is not involved in the above-referenced lawsuit.
Bloomberg reported: “The claims, which have no basis, ‘appear to be based on the ownership of a house Wexner sold years prior to the time of the allegations,’ added the spokesperson, noting that the Wexners ‘have tremendous sympathy for the victims of Jeffrey Epstein’s horrendous crimes.'”
The case is part of ongoing litigation tied to Epstein’s conduct and the individuals and institutions allegedly connected to him. The allegations in the complaint have not been proven, and the defendants have not yet filed responsive pleadings.
Bloomberg April 7, 2019: Billionaire Wexner Says Epstein Swindled Him Out of ‘Vast Sums’
Sauder Schelkopf has been at the forefront of the Ohio State University sex abuse litigation related to former Dr. Richard Strauss since 2018. It is alleged that the university officials had knowledge of Strauss’ misconduct dating back to 1979 and failed to take appropriate action. A 2019 independent investigation commissioned by OSU concluded that Strauss abused at least 177 male students between 1978 and 1998 and that complaints were never elevated beyond the athletic and student health departments. Sauder Schelkopf continues to represent a group of survivors seeking accountability and institutional reform.
Leslie Wexner served on the Ohio State Board of Trustees from 1988 to 1997 and chaired the board from 1996 to 1997. Richard Strauss was employed by Ohio State from 1978 to 1998 as a physician treating students, including student-athletes. Following the $6.2 million independent Perkins Coie investigation commissioned by Ohio State, then-president Michael V. Drake, MD stated in part, “Our institution’s fundamental failure at the time to prevent this abuse was unacceptable — as were the inadequate efforts to thoroughly investigate complaints raised by students and staff members.”
Read the Court’s Order requiring Wexner’s deposition here
“This ruling represents another important step toward transparency and accountability,” said Joe Sauder of Sauder Schelkopf. “It ensures that the discovery process moves forward consistent with the Federal Rules. The Court carefully applied established legal standards and determined that the deposition should proceed.”
Sports Illustrated: Why Aren’t More People Talking About the Ohio State Sex Abuse Scandal?
For more information about this case or to speak with an attorney, please contact us by completing the form on this page or call 1-888-711-9975.